A rededication and ribbon cutting to mark the renovation of the Leon S. McGoogan Health Sciences Library is set for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. The rededication celebrates what Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., called “a remarkable transformation” of the library, including breathtaking natural lighting, improved study spaces, technology, and more.
The event will be virtual, thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The UNMC community, friends, family and members of the public are invited to take part by viewing the Facebook Live event on UNMC’s Facebook page. (People do not have to have a Facebook account to view the event.)
The library reopens after more than a year of construction, as part of the Wittson Hall renovation/Wigton Heritage Center project. The library renovation was funded through LB 957 in the 2016 legislative session.
Emily McElroy, dean of the McGoogan Library, noted that it is now better positioned than ever to deliver on its partnerships throughout UNMC and beyond. This is a historic moment for the library on its 50th anniversary in Wittson Hall, she said.
And, she said, its new name, the McGoogan Health Sciences Library, better reflects its mission today, while continuing to honor the legacy of Dr. McGoogan, a giant in Nebraska medicine, and a driving force in the library’s history.
Dele Davies, M.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, called the library “the heart of the campus.”
In addition to Drs. Gold and Davies, and Dean McElroy, the rededication’s scheduled speakers include:
- Brandy Clarke, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, president of the UNMC faculty senate;
- Karen Honeycutt, PhD, chair of the College of Allied Health Professions Department of Allied Health Professions Education, Research and Practice, chair of the Library Advisory Group;
- Tom Schroeder, president of the student senate and UNMC’s student regent.
Dr. Gold also will thank major donors on behalf of the students and UNMC community.